Skin Cancer Facts
To inspire better sun protection habits, we believe it helps to know why it is important to cover up. We have selected some key facts regarding melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) to help expand your knowledge, and then pass this on to others.
Melanoma Facts
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which grows downwards and after time can reach into the deeper layers of skin and beyond where it is at risk of spreading to other parts of the body.
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Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, with around 16,200 new cases diagnosed every year, that is 44 a day.
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Melanoma may be the rarest form of skin cancer, but it is the deadliest, as it can travel to other organs, so early detection is vital.
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It takes only one blistering sunburn, especially at a young age, to more than double the chance of developing melanoma later in life.
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Since the early 1990s, incidence rates in women have more than doubled in the UK and in males almost tripled.
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Incidence is projected to rise by 7% in the UK between 2014 and 2035, to 32 cases per 100,000 people by 2035.
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By the time it is diagnosed, around 24% of male cases are terminal as opposed to 15% of female cases, because women tend to check themselves more frequently and present at GPs earlier.
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Incidence increases with age, with a quarter of all new cases diagnosed in people aged 75 and over.
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As well as skin, melanoma can also develop in the eyes and in the nailbeds.
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Melanoma does not discriminate by age, race, or gender, although those very fair skin and/or red hair are highly vulnerable.
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Melanoma can occur anywhere, but in men is it most common on the upper back, head, and neck and in women, on the legs.
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Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning but can also develop from or near an existing mole or lesion, and not necessarily on a sun exposed site.
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Only 11% of people get their skin checked professional, and 33% check their own skin annually, despite dermatologists recommending that this should be carried out monthly.
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New, rapidly growing moles, or moles that itch, bleed, or change colour are often early warning signs, which need to be checked immediately by your GP.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) Facts
NMSC is the most common cancer in the world, so it is especially important to understand more about it, recognise the first signs, and avoid a late diagnosis which can lead to further problems. Please read and share with others:
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There are nearly 152,000 new NMSC cases in the UK every year, that is more than 410 every day (2015-2017).
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NMSC is by far the most common type of cancer in the world. 43% of NMSC cases in the UK are in woman, and 57% are in men.
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There are 2 main types of NMSC: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) named after the types of skin cells where the cancer develops, however it is possible for a NMSC to be a mixture of both these types.
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BCC starts in the cells lining the bottom of the epidermis and accounts for about 75 in every 100 skin cancers.
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SCC starts in the cells lining the top of the epidermis and accounts for about 20 in every 100 skin cancers.
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BCC frequently appears as a pearly bump, whereas SCC often looks like a rough, red, scaly area, or an ulcerated bump that bleeds.
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Although not classed as NMSC, Bowen’s disease can sometimes develop into SCC if left untreated, however it develops slowly and is easily treated.
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Actinic or solar keratoses are dry, scaly patches caused by years of accumulated sun damage. Although is not classed as NMSC, there is a small risk that patches could develop into SCC if untreated.
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Since the early 1990s, NMSC incidence rates for both men and women have increased by more than two-and-a-half times (166%) in the UK.
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NMSC can appear on any sun-exposed area of the body, but are most frequently found on the face, ears, bald scalp, and neck.
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Although NMSC spreads slowly, if left untreated, it can lead to disfigurement, so best catch it early.
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NMSC is mainly caused by UV light, and can be prevented by using adequate sun protection.
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Surgery is the main treatment, which involves removing the cancerous tumour and some of the surrounding skin.
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Other treatments include freezing (cryotherapy), anti-cancer creams, radiotherapy and a form of light treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT).
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The treatment used will depend on the type, size, and location of the NMSC you have.
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If you have a lump, ulcer, lesion, or skin discolouration that has not healed after 4 weeks, see your GP. While it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is best to get it checked.
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